It's May 1st, which in France is a National Holiday and a symbol of new beginnings. On May Day, it's a centuries old tradition to buy bouquets of lily-of-the-valley (called muguet in French) on the streets all over France. The lily-of-the-valley is symbolic of the love, joy, and new life Spring brings.

Wednesday of last week was one of the best days of my life, even though it had a wretched beginning.

I sat in a medical examination room at the transplant centre in Calgary, waiting for my doctor to arrive. My hands were shaking, my heart was pounding, and there was definitely some PTSD throwing a party in my nervous system.

Forty minutes later I walked (OK, more like danced) out of the transplant centre with the verdict that I was thriving. Nyssa's liver was happy in my body (but not nearly as happy as my body is to have Nyssa's liver - I can guarantee that). Just goes to show you that a day that starts out dire doesn't always stay that way.

Even if I sold zero copies of My Grape Paris, it would still be a complete triumph to hold this book in my hands. I tore open the box, grabbed the copy of top, and held it to my chest. I made a strange sound that was somewhere between a yelp and laugh. I may have cried.

Thanks to my lovely readers, I have in fact sold hundreds of copies of My Grape Paris on pre-order, which makes me so grateful to have reached so many people with my writing. My readers are, quite simply, the best.

A wee bit of an emotional moment to be alive with this completed book in my hands. If you look close you can see my eyes are a bit shiny.

Today I want to take a moment to say a huge MERCI to you all. By reading my writing, you made me feel supported and understood throughout these crazy six years. You are the reason I am the bestselling writer I am today, and that actually I am still here at all. Writing - which means you readers I wanted to share my stories with - was my lifeline.

For that, I'd like to give you this virtual bouquet of muguet, along with a massive merci.

Pour toi!

I wish you a joyful May 1st with much love, joy, and Spring magic.

Thanks too from these crazy kids, living together in Paris, trying to make their dreams come true but unsure whether those dreams can be realized together.

Photos taken by us during our year in Paris, in one of the métro's many photomatons.

If you already have your copy of My Grape Paris or plan to buy one soon, I hope it provides many hours of reading joy, romance, daydreams, and laughter.